¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
- The Bedlington Terrier is a British terrier with a pronounced prey drive behind its soft, lamb-like appearance.
- The breed stands around 41 cm and normally weighs 8–10 kg; bitches may be slightly shorter and dogs slightly taller.
- It is often lively outdoors and calm at home, but needs both daily exercise and activities that engage its mind.
- The coat sheds very little, but needs regular combing and clipping roughly every 6–8 weeks.
- Low shedding does not make the breed allergy-free.
- Copper toxicosis is the most important breed-specific health issue to check before buying a puppy.
- The breed can live in a flat or a house, provided it gets enough activity, gradual training for time alone and safe walks.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Bedlington Terrier is an agile, muscular dog with an outline unlike that of most other terriers. Its body is slightly longer than it is tall, the loin is naturally arched and the underline distinctly tucked up. The head is pear- or wedge-shaped, with no defined stop, while the pale silky topknot accentuates the characteristic lamb-like look. Beneath that elegant exterior is a dog built for speed: the breed standard says it should be capable of galloping fast.
The height at the withers is around 41 cm and the weight 8–10 kg. A slight variation downwards for bitches and upwards for dogs is permitted. The colours are blue, liver or sandy, with or without tan markings. The coat should be thick, stand away from the skin and have a marked tendency to twist, particularly on the head and face. It must not feel harsh.
The coat leaves very little hair behind, but it is not low-maintenance. As a practical guide, it should be brushed and combed at least once a week and clipped roughly every 6–8 weeks. Mats may require more frequent attention, especially after woodland walks and in areas where the coat is exposed to friction. The traditional breed trim takes skill, so ask the breeder about a practical pet trim and for details of a groomer who knows the Bedlington Terrier.
The ears need close attention because dense hair growth and narrow ear canals have been noted within the breed. Check regularly for redness, unpleasant odour, itching or recurring trouble, and contact a vet if symptoms appear. Clipping and regular inspection make problems easier to spot, but do not replace a veterinary assessment.
Although the Bedlington Terrier sheds little, this does not make it hypoallergenic. Dog allergens come from sources including skin and saliva, and the amount varies between individuals. Anyone with a dog allergy therefore needs to assess the particular dog and their own reaction rather than relying on coat type alone.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Bedlington Terrier combines a friendly, affectionate manner with a terrier’s courage and interest in pursuing prey. The breed ideal is a lively, alert and intelligent companion that is gentle when at rest but ready to act when something happens. This captures the breed’s range well: the same dog may lie quietly on the sofa and moments later want to sprint after something that moves.
Many individuals enjoy close contact with their family and settle well indoors once their needs have been met. Some can be a little reserved with strangers. Shyness and nervousness, however, are not part of the breed ideal. A puppy’s experiences, the parents’ temperament and the owner’s daily routine all influence how the adult dog develops, so meet the dam and, if possible, other relatives of the puppy.
Swedish behavioural assessments and owner surveys give a nuanced picture of how the breed behaves around other dogs. A small group assessed through BPH, the Swedish behavioural and personality assessment, showed low aggression overall, while an owner survey also mentioned individuals that struggled during dog encounters, particularly some males. The conclusion is not that the breed is aggressive or invariably easy, but that the individual dog and the way introductions are handled matter greatly. Choose calm encounters, reward attention to the handler and do not let cramped or chaotic situations shape socialisation.
The strong prey drive is documented in the breed standard and should be taken seriously. A Bedlington Terrier may react very quickly to wildlife, cats or other small animals. Some individuals can live happily with a familiar cat, but the breed name alone offers no guarantee. Always plan for safe management, and separate the dog from small pets whenever you cannot supervise them together.
¶Training & Exercise
The Bedlington Terrier needs daily exercise, but a fixed number of minutes will not suit every individual. A good routine includes walks, opportunities to stretch out safely and a task that demands concentration. Age, health, fitness and what the dog did the previous day all affect what is appropriate. A contented dog should be able to settle at home, rather than simply becoming more highly aroused as walks grow longer.
The breed can enjoy agility, tracking, blood tracking, rally obedience or ordinary everyday training. The exact activity matters less than giving the dog a chance to use body and mind with its owner. Search games, balance work, short obedience sessions and controlled play provide variety without turning every day into a major training project.
Use rewards, clear criteria and short sessions. The Bedlington Terrier is intelligent and can learn quickly, but a terrier’s independence makes meaningless repetition less appealing. Reward the behaviour you want in everyday life: voluntarily checking in, waiting calmly at a door, walking with you on the lead and breaking off a chase during play. Harsh corrections risk damaging cooperation and are not needed to set clear boundaries.
Recall training should begin early, but a strong prey drive can override even a well-learned cue. Use a long line wherever the surroundings are not secure, and only allow the dog off lead where a failed recall cannot have serious consequences. The aim is not to prove that the dog always obeys; it is to build a long history of successful repetitions while keeping a line or secure enclosure as backup.
¶Health
Copper toxicosis is the most important known breed-specific disease in the Bedlington Terrier. In the COMMD1-related form, an inherited change can cause copper to build up in the liver. Inheritance is autosomal recessive, which means that a dog must inherit the relevant variant from both parents to be genetically affected.
A COMMD1 test can return a result of clear, carrier or genetically affected. A carrier is not ill from the tested variant but can pass it on. A genetically affected dog has two copies and is at risk of developing the disease during its lifetime. A clear result applies to the deletion examined by the test; it does not rule out every other possible cause of liver disease or copper toxicosis.
The Scandinavian Bedlington Club requires the parent dogs to have been DNA tested through the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences before a litter can be listed by the club’s puppy referral service. The club also requires an eye examination for that service. These conditions are not the same as a special registration requirement imposed by the Swedish Kennel Club: its registration rules for 2026 contain no Bedlington-specific requirement for DNA testing or eye screening. The distinction matters when you assess what a breeder has actually done.
Ask to see documents rather than simply accepting that the dogs have been “tested”:
- identifiable COMMD1 results for both parents and an explanation of what the combination means,
- current eye examination results and how any findings influenced the breeding decision,
- information about recurring liver, eye, skin or ear problems among close relatives,
- the breeder’s plan for following the puppies’ health after they leave.
Skin and ears are among the matters monitored by the Swedish breed club. Older surveys have reported itching, ear infections, heavy hair growth in the ears and narrow ear canals, but a survey does not predict the risk for every puppy. Treat the information as a reason to ask questions and stay observant, not as a diagnosis. Recurring itching, head shaking, redness or weeping eyes should be assessed by a vet.
¶History & Origins
The Bedlington Terrier was developed in Northumberland in northern England and is particularly associated with the mining town of Bedlington. It was previously known as the Rothbury Terrier. The early dogs needed to be fast, strong and versatile, and were used to hunt rabbits as well as other small quarry and vermin.
A breed association was formed in 1877, after the standard had begun to take shape in the later part of the 1800s. The journey from local working terrier to today’s more elegant show dog and companion is well documented, but accounts of precisely which other breeds contributed to its development are less certain. Its hunting background and working-terrier character are therefore a more reliable legacy than any single disputed cross.
The Bedlington Terrier reached Sweden in the early 1900s. Today it is kept there mainly as a companion and show dog, although its speed, courage and aptitude for dog sports still reflect its origins.
¶Living with the Breed
A Bedlington Terrier can live in a flat as well as a house. The size of the home matters less than the daily routine: the dog needs to go out, use its mind and have somewhere safe to run. A garden does not replace walks, and fencing must be reliable if wildlife or cats pass nearby.
With children, the same ground rules apply as with any other dog. An adult should always be present with young children, and the dog needs a resting place where it will be left alone. The Bedlington Terrier’s friendly breed ideal is not a guarantee against misunderstandings, and children must not climb on, disturb or try to pick up the dog.
Time alone must be introduced gradually after the puppy feels secure in its new home. A young puppy cannot be left alone, and adult dogs vary greatly in how readily they settle without company. Build the training in small steps and organise daily life around the dog in front of you, not around a fixed number claimed for the breed.
Budget time and money for regular grooming. Anyone who does not want to learn a practical pet trim will need to find a groomer experienced with the breed and book visits roughly every 6–8 weeks. Weekly combing, ear checks and calm handling practice should also become part of the routine from puppyhood.
The breed best suits someone who wants a close companion but also respects a terrier’s prey drive and independence. Before buying, meet adult dogs, examine the COMMD1 and eye results, ask how the coat is maintained and make a concrete plan for exercise, time alone and any small pets in the home. That makes it much easier to decide whether the soft exterior and decisive character fit the same household.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 3/5 |
| Child Friendly | 5/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 1/5 |
| Health | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 4/5 |
| Learning Ability | 3/5 |
| Barking Level | 4/5 |
| Height | 40 – 41 cm |
| Weight | 8 – 10 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 11 – 15 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bedlington Terriers really as gentle as they look, or are they typical terriers in temperament?
They often look lamb-like, but their temperament is closer to a quick, bold terrier with a softer side. Most are affectionate, loyal, and calm indoors, but they retain strong prey drive and can be surprisingly fearless. Early socialisation and consistent boundaries help balance their gentle and spirited traits.
How much exercise does a Bedlington Terrier need each day?
They are athletic and usually need at least 45 to 60 minutes of purposeful exercise daily, plus mental stimulation. Short, gentle walks are not enough for most adults. Off-lead running in a secure area is ideal, as long as recall is reliable and wildlife is not nearby.
Why do Bedlington Terriers have a lamb-like coat and how hard is it to maintain?
Their coat is a mix of soft and harsh hair that forms a distinctive crisp, curly texture, which gives the lamb-like look. It does not shed much but grows continuously, so professional grooming or skilled home clipping is required every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular brushing helps prevent matting, especially around the ears, armpits, and legs.
What health problems are Bedlington Terriers prone to, especially copper toxicosis?
They are particularly known for a hereditary condition called copper toxicosis, where copper accumulates in the liver and can lead to serious disease. Responsible breeders screen for this and avoid affected lines. The breed may also be at risk for some eye issues and kidney problems, so health testing and regular veterinary checks are important.
Are Bedlington Terriers good with children and other dogs?
Most are affectionate with respectful children and enjoy family life, but they do not tolerate rough handling well. With other dogs they can be fine, especially if well socialised, yet some retain a strong competitive or scrappy terrier streak. Careful introductions and supervision are recommended, particularly with same-sex or very bold dogs.
Do Bedlington Terriers have a strong prey drive and can they live safely with cats or small pets?
They were originally used for hunting, so many still have a strong instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals. Some can live peacefully with cats they are raised with, but they may not be safe around unfamiliar cats or small pets like rabbits. Secure fencing and good recall training are essential to manage this tendency.
Are Bedlington Terriers suitable for apartment living or do they need a large garden?
They can live comfortably in an apartment if their exercise and mental needs are met every day. Indoors they are usually relatively calm and clean. A secure garden is helpful but not essential, provided they get regular walks and chances to run in safe areas.
How often should a Bedlington Terrier be groomed and clipped to keep the correct look?
Most need a full clip or scissor trim every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the classic outline of the arched back, topknot, and clean lines. In between, weekly brushing and combing help prevent knots and keep the coat tidy. Many owners learn basic trimming at home but still use a groomer familiar with the breed for shaping.
Are Bedlington Terriers hypoallergenic and do they shed?
They are low shedding and often better tolerated by some allergy sufferers than many breeds, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Their dander and saliva can still trigger allergies in sensitive people. Spending time with adult dogs of the breed before committing is the best way to gauge your own reaction.
How trainable are Bedlington Terriers for first-time dog owners?
They are intelligent and generally eager to please, but can be independent and easily distracted by scents or movement. Short, positive training sessions work best, with firm but fair consistency. A first-time owner can do well with this breed if prepared to invest time in socialisation, recall training, and impulse control work.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Bedlington Terrier with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
